Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 161 (Thursday, August 20, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 50551-50553]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-20383]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-1051; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-171-AD; 
Amendment 39-18239; AD 2015-17-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. This AD was 
prompted by reports that on airplanes equipped

[[Page 50552]]

with sharklets, discretes (used to activate the load alleviation 
function) are connected on various flight computers using the same 
ground point. In these cases, the ground point segregation is no longer 
effective, and a single failure could lead to loss of sharklet 
identification by flight computers causing a return to the wing tip 
fence (no sharklet configuration) performance. This AD requires 
modification of the sharklet ground connection. We are issuing this AD 
to prevent loss of sharklet identification by the flight computers and 
subsequent reduced control of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective September 24, 2015.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September 
24, 2015.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2014-1051 or in person at the 
Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC.
    For service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus, 
Airworthiness Office--EIAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 
Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 
51; email account.airworth [email protected]; Internet http://www.airbus.com. You may view this referenced service information at the 
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
425-227-1221. It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
1051.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116,Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1405; fax 
425-227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Airbus Model A319, 
A320, and A321 series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal 
Register on January 23, 2015 (80 FR 3520). The NPRM was prompted by 
reports that on airplanes equipped with sharklets, discretes (used to 
activate the load alleviation function) are connected on various flight 
computers using the same ground point. In these cases, the ground point 
segregation is no longer effective and a single failure could lead to 
loss of sharklet identification by flight computers causing a return to 
the wing tip fence (no sharklet configuration) performance. The NPRM 
proposed to require modification of the sharklet ground connection. We 
are issuing this AD to prevent loss of sharklet identification by the 
flight computers and subsequent reduced control of the airplane.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2014-0186, dated August 19, 2014 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model 
A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. The MCAI states:

    During A320 Neo review, Airbus design office identified that on 
A320 family aeroplanes equipped with sharklets, discretes used to 
activate the load alleviation function are connected on various 
flight computers using the same ground point. In that case, the 
ground point segregation is no longer effective and a single failure 
could lead to loss of sharklet identification by the flight 
computers, inducing a return to the wing tip fence (no sharklet 
configuration) behaviour.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to reduced control 
of the aeroplane, depending on aeroplane configuration and flight 
phase.
    It has been determined that Airbus mod 156108 restores the 
correct segregation. However, since introduction of sharklet mod 
160500 and mod 160023, a number of aeroplanes equipped with 
sharklets have been delivered without incorporating mod 156108. In 
addition, mod 156108 was not included in certain SBs [service 
bulletins] that introduce the sharklet device in service onto 
aeroplanes with a reinforced wing, previously operated with a wing 
tip fence. Airbus mod 156108 has now been introduced into Airbus SB 
A320-57-1186 at Rev.03 and will be introduced at next revisions of 
SB A320-57-1173 and SB A320-57-1187.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus published SB 
A320-27-1240 for in-service installation of mod 156108.
    For the reasons described above, this AD requires modification 
of the sharklet ground connection.

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2014-1051-0002.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (80 FR 3520, January 23, 
2015) or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting this AD as proposed except for 
minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (80 FR 3520, January 23, 2015) for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (80 FR 3520, January 23, 2015).

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320-27-1240, dated June 18, 
2014. The service information describes procedures for modification of 
the sharklet ground connection. This service information is reasonably 
available because the interested parties have access to it through 
their normal course of business or by the means identified in the 
ADDRESSES section of this or AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 46 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We also estimate that it will take about 14 work-hours per product 
to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor 
rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $347 per 
product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on 
U.S. operators to be $70,702, or $1,537 per product.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation 
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's 
authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on

[[Page 50553]]

products identified in this rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct 
effect on the States, on the relationship between the national 
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
    4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2014-1051; or in person at the 
Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the 
regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. 
The street address for the Docket Operations office (telephone 800-647-
5527) is in the ADDRESSES section.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2015-17-06 Airbus: Amendment 39-18239. Docket No. FAA-2014-1051; 
Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-171-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective September 24, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes, certificated in any 
category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of 
this AD, all manufacturer serial numbers on which Airbus 
modification (mod) 160500 or mod 160023 has been embodied in 
production, and those that have been modified in service through the 
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-57-1173, A320-57-1186, or A320-57-1187, 
except those on which Airbus mod 156108 has been embodied in 
production.
    (1) Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 
airplanes.
    (2) Model A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes.
    (3) Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 
airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight 
Controls.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports that on airplanes equipped with 
sharklets, discretes (used to activate the load alleviation 
function) are connected on various flight computers using the same 
ground point. In these cases, the ground point segregation is no 
longer effective, and a single failure could lead to loss of 
sharklet identification by flight computers causing a return to the 
wing tip fence (no sharklet configuration) performance. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent loss of sharklet identification by the 
flight computers and subsequent reduced control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Modification

    Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the 
sharklet ground connection, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1240, dated June 18, 
2014.

 (h) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, has the authority to approve 
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your 
principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as 
appropriate. If sending information directly to the International 
Branch, send it to ATTN: Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1405; 
fax 425-227-1149. Information may be emailed to: [email protected]. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your 
appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, 
the manager of the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office. The AMOC approval letter must 
specifically reference this AD.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the 
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus's EASA Design 
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval 
must include the DOA-authorized signature.

(i) Related Information

    Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) 
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2014-0186, dated August 19, 2014, for 
related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the 
Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2014-
1051-0002.

(j) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1240, dated June 18, 2014.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus, Airworthiness Office--EIAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 
31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 
61 93 44 51; email [email protected]">account.airworth-[email protected]; Internet http://www.airbus.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
425-227-1221.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 10, 2015.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-20383 Filed 8-19-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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